Doula Services
What the Heck is a Doula?
You may have heard the word ‘doo-la’ being said by friends or family and wonder what it means.
The word Doula is a Greek word that translates to “woman caregiver, or servant”. Today we use the word Doula to refer to a birth attendant, generally a woman, who offers physical and emotional support throughout the childbearing process. We believe in “mothering the mother”, supporting a woman (and her partner) in having the most positive birth experience possible, throughout pregnancy and into parenthood.
Having calm steady support allows the family to relax and enjoy this pivotal moment in their lives. The journey to Mamahood is the most life-changing experience women undertake so their needs are understandably complex. Women need consistent respect and encouragement, comforting reassurance, and continuous support. All of this should be individualized and custom designed to Her wishes and needs.
Whether birthing in Hospital or Home, a Doula provides the non-clinical aspects of care that a woman/couple need as they become a family. The medical advancements we have in our healthcare system are wonderful but they are complex, confusing to navigate, and focus on the physical aspect of birth. Medical staff are highly trained individuals and the hospital is a great institution but their busy protocol doesn’t leave the time necessary to provide the emotional support needed by a birthing woman.
What is the benefit of hiring a Doula?
- A Doula cares that you have a positive personal experience from your birth, not just a successful clinical outcome.
- A Doula is a resource for prenatal education and preparation leading up to your birth.
- A Doula empowers your partner (if you have one) to be involved and to know they are your most important supporter.
- A Doula works solely for you and your family, not the hospital, doctor, or your midwife.
- A Doula draws on her training, expertise, and skills to provide complimentary care.
- A Doula stays by your side while the hospital shifts change.
- A Doula helps with the transition following birth: breastfeeding support, newborn care, and privacy for the new family.
Research has shown a number of benefits from having a continuous support person throughout your labor (this can be a close friend or spouse): a 50% reduction in C-section and a 25% shorter labor overall.
When you combine the support of a loved one with your Doula these statistics increase.
Here is the specific research when a Doula is present (based on 22 trials and 15,288 women): (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23076901)
- 34% Decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience.
- 31% Decrease in use of synthetic Oxytocin (Pitocin/Syntocin).
- 28% Decrease in rate of C-section.
- 14% Decrease in rate of infant being transferred to special care unit.
- 12% Increase in the likelihood of vaginal birth.
- 9% Decrease in the use of any form of pain medication (natural or pharmaceutical).
It is important when considering your birth that you invite only those you feel truly safe sharing in this sacred time. Sometimes this means hiring a Doula, but sometimes you already have a "Doula" in your partner, spouse, sister, or mother. I encourage you and your support person to become educated leading up to your birth and if you decide on hiring a Doula, interview a few before selecting the woman you feel is the perfect choice.
~I am always happy to answer questions and make recommendations for reading and learning, even if I’m not the Doula or Massage Therapist for you.
I wish you the best as you enter this journey of Mamahood.
May you experience the most incredible blessing of light and joy.
May you feel amazed and proud as you come into your innate power.
May you be supported by love and those you feel safest with.~
Labor Doula Services
All women hold the incredible gift of strength and transformation. I truly believe women are sacred and the space they birth in should be as well, whether in Hospital or in the Home.
The creation of the family is magical. I feel such joy when a couple journeys into a Family. It is an honor every time I see a husband/partner become empowered to support Her as they create a family together. I am there to fill the gaps, supporting both parents as they work together in this life-changing time.
As a Doula:
- I accompany women and families in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience.
- I draw on my professional training, knowledge, and expertise to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to women and partners. Throughout the pregnancy and afterwards as you enter Mamahood/Parenthood.
- I utilize my skills as a Registered Massage Therapist and Craniosacral Therapist to provide comfort and therapeutic release during the birthing process.
- As your doula, I am working for you, not for the doctor, midwife or the hospital.
As a Doula, I Do Not:
- Perform clinical tasks, such as take blood pressure, fetal hearth checks, vaginal exams, etc.
- Make decisions for you. I will help you get the resources necessary to make your own informed choices.
- Speak to the staff on your behalf regarding matters where health care decisions are being made. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will speak directly to the clinical staff.
Services
The options I provide are custom designed to fit Your family’s needs. I want you to feel supported, informed, and empowered each step of the way so your birth story becomes the celebrated achievement it is meant to be. All packages include a backup Doula who will also be on call for your delivery and a free 45-60min initial interview (excluding prenatal consults). If you are interested in learning more or setting up a time to meet please feel free to contact me directly either by phone or email!
~This work has been a lifelong calling. My packages are designed as general guidelines and money is a secondary consideration. In the case of financial challenges I take special Pro Bono Doula clients each year. Teen and Single mothers are always supported on a donation basis. Contact me directly by phone or email for availability and questions.~
Prenatal Consults: $121 per hour
This is a great option for families who plan to enter birth on their own! The session is custom designed to answer your specific questions and to teach comfort measures/massage techniques to the support person planning to attend the birth (partner/husband).
Labor Doula Packages
Simply Birth: $1,000
This option is best for mothers who have given birth previously and feel confident in their ability but would like support simply throughout the labor and birth. The package includes:
- 1 Prenatal Consultation (60-90min) to review your goals, birth plan, and preferences.
- 24 hour On-call support leading up to due date.
- In Person Labor & Birth Support from the time you need- no hourly charge.
- Assist settling in after delivery (1-2 hours), breastfeeding support, and ensuring a sense of privacy for the family.
Nurtured Birth: $1,500
This package is a great option for mothers who have given birth previously but would like additional comfort/support for this birth. It is also a perfect choice for first-time parents who have done additional prenatal education/workshops.
- 2 Prenatal Consultations including prenatal education and resources ( 2 hours each).
- Review of birth plan/birth preferences form.
- Unlimited Phone, text, and email support as needed.
- 24 hour on call support leading up to due date.
- In Person Labor & Birth Support from the time you need- no hourly charge.
- Assist settling in after delivery (1-3 hours), breastfeeding support, and ensuring a sense of privacy for the family.
- 2 Postnatal Visits (1-2 hours each): the first within 24-48 hours of birth, the second within 4 weeks of birth.
Empowered Beginnings: $2,000
This option is recommended for first time mothers, VBAC, twin pregnancies (or multiples), pregnancies labelled high risk, and those who want in-depth education/support while preparing for birth. The package includes:
- 3 Prenatal Consultations including personalized prenatal education and resources (2-3 hours each, additional visits may be arranged if needed at no additional cost).
- Assistance in creating a custom birth plan and filling out Birth Preferences form.
- Unlimited Phone, text, and email support as needed.
- 24 hour On call support leading up to due date.
- In Person Labor & Birth Support from the time you need- no hourly charge.
- Assist settling in after delivery (2-3 hours): breastfeeding support following birth and ensuring a sense of privacy for the new family.
- Ongoing phone/text support for up to 4 weeks following the birth.
- 3 Postnatal Visits (2 hours each): the first within 24-48 hours of birth, second between 1-2 weeks after, third 3-4 weeks after.
- Private infant massage lesson for parents and Baby.
"Women are the carriers of life. We hold the fruit of our loving beneath our hearts."~Jeannine Parvati Baker
